5/22/2008

Beautiful Garbage

There's seems to be a lot more art hanging around the city than there used to be and I notice more of it each time I decide not to litter.

Garbage and recycling bins around the downtown core have been festooned by Canadian artists courtesy of an outfit called Magenta. They're doing a swell job at supporting the arts and emerging talent.

Stopping for a moment longer than it takes to dispose of my coffee cup teaches me a little bit more about the participants and their vision, easier done since a blurb about them is printed on the sides of the bins.

Rather than just trash talking all the time, may I take this quiet moment to say that I love it when ideas like this take hold? A sampling of what I'm talking about can be found here.

Way to go world!

13 comments:

Fran said...

I love me some Canada goodness - you all are way smarter up there.

Deep sigh. One day I will tell you about the time in 1987 or 88 when my career aspiration was "Toronto Housewife." We can see that did not work out and frankly, all for the best. But 21 years ago it seemed viable!

Our garbage is ugly and mundane here in Albany.

BeckEye said...

That's pretty cool, eh!

Dale said...

Sounds like a bittersweet tale of intrigue Fran. We can send some garbage your way if you need prettyifying for Albany.

Beauty eh? Beckeye. Did I say 'eh' that many times last weekend? I know Chelene pointed it out when I called her. Here I thought I was a citizen of the world eh?

mellowlee said...

Whoa, those are some pretty funky recyle bins...I hope we get something like that in Vancouver :O)

Cap'n Ergo "XL+II" Jinglebollocks said...

That IS cool. Every time I go out for a walk I want a big plastic bag slung over my shoulder and some of those long, pinchy-things like gigantic BBQ tongs so I can pick the shit up out of the ditch. It just bothers me on some level to see beer bottles and cigarette packs littered all o'er the place. I vaguely remember that cities are eversomuchmoreso WORSE, so this is a brilliant idea.

Dale said...

I noticed in Victoria when I was there that a lot of the telephone/cable boxes seemed to be painted Mel, it's a start!

The amount of trash floating, flying and laying around everywhere bothers me to Cap'n but I haven't done anything about it yet. Should we look on eBay for some pick up sticks?

Chris the Hippie said...

What a cool idea! I really like that! Imagine, having a bin or a can, some sort of receptacle to throw your trash into... Wow! I'm gonna have to mention this to our city council!

Leonesse said...

I'm with Chris. But I doubt it will do any good. Backwards idiots.

(I can't wait to move!)

Barbara Bruederlin said...

Those are gorgeous. I want a recycling bin for my own back yard.

I've taken to bringing my own coffee mug with me to Starbucky places and not only do I get a 10% discount, I don't have to feel guilty about tossing a coffee cup that I used for 15 minutes into the garbage. Very liberating.

Moderator said...

That's very cool. I love when a plan comes together, too.

Dale said...

They need to do something Chris, I'm still reeling from the photos of your 'hood.

Move here, the trashcans are purty Leonesse.

Excellent idea Barb, you're saving lives somewhere down the line!

Once in a while, things work Grant but don't ask me how. I guess it takes work.

Jill said...

It's a great idea, but it still makes me feel like this is just somekind of publicity stunt!

Dale said...

Yes Jill, a publicity stunt for a cleaner city to detract from our crumbling infrastructure.